For those of you who fell in love with Rosefina’s in Brunswick Heads and were devasated when the caravan moved on, the wonderful news is that the doors are open again in Billinudgel – Rosefina’s has opened where Billi’s Indian once was.
Owner Josie Richardson has been slowly building the profile of the brand, Rosefina’s, for the last three years. ‘We had Rosefina’s Place, a garden cafe in Brunswick Heads between the river and the sea, where we gradually built up a following for our food, coffee and chilled garden vibe.’
‘Unfortunately, we were beaten down by last year’s incessant rain which prevented us from trading regularly and I have not yet developed the magic skills to know exactly when it is or isn’t going to rain! The zoning of the land meant building a roof was not an option, so when Billi’s Indian closed last August, we jumped at the chance to have a venue with some outdoor space that is protected from the elements.’
The venue is a shed, built in the ‘90s featuring concrete walls and a tiled, slate flooring. ‘The design lends itself to feeling cavernous and noisy with the smallest of sounds bouncing off the walls,’ says Josie. ‘We decided to lean into the slate flooring and go with retro furnishings that would also help absorb some of the echo. We’ve added a bar and outdoor seating facing Billinudgel’s colonial Main Street with a view to the Billi pub to the east or the mountains to the west. Our customers can enjoy watching the passing parade on Nudge Nudge Wink Wink nights while eating tacos and drinking Margaritas.’
But, the heart of Rosefina’s hasn’t changed. ‘The start of this journey was always about Mexican food,’ says Josie. ‘So ultimately we wanted the restaurant to showcase traditional Mexican dishes that can often be overlooked when adapting to the Australian market.’
‘Our Mexican chef grew up working in the family restaurants in Mexico City and he brings with him a passion for his cuisine. At Rosefina’s you’ll find pollo con mole – poached chicken covered in a rich sauce combining Mexican chillies, spices, seeds, nuts and ceremonial cacao – it’s a unique flavour hit.
‘Our beef birria is another labour of love, with slow-cooked beef in Mexican chillies and a selection of herbs and spices. We encourage customers to eat as you would in Mexico sharing a meal with sides of tortillas, Mexican rice and pico de gallo.’
Rosefina’s is open from Thursday to Saturday from 12pm for lunch and dinner. On Sundays they open from 12pm onwards for a lazy afternoon that leads into an early dinner. To find out more go to rosefinas.place.
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